Water Service Line Viewer Map       Water Service Line Survey

www.cor.net/WaterQuality

Image Source - epa.gov/protectyourtap

Richardson's Current Water Quality

The City of Richardson employs a Water Quality Inspector who oversees water testing to ensure compliance with standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Test results confirm there are no lead concerns in the city’s water supply. The Richardson Public Services Department is proud to maintain a “superior” rating for the water system.

To view the latest water quality report, visit www.cor.net/WaterQuality. Alternatively, you may contact a certified laboratory to test your water for lead. However, please note that a water sample may not fully capture or represent all potential sources of lead. For more information on sources of lead, including service lines and interior plumbing, visit the EPA’s website.

Identifying Service Line Material

The EPA has developed an online step-by-step guide to help people identify lead pipes in their homes called “Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead.” The image below will help identify service line material.

The City’s interactive map, the Water Service Line Viewer, can also be used to reference the status of service line material. A licensed plumber will also be able to determine if the pipe that connects a home to the water main is made from lead, galvanized, or other materials.

Types of Service Line Material

Image Source - epa.gov/protectyourtap

Plastic
Generally, white, black, or blue piping. Plastic piping is rigid. A magnet WILL NOT stick to plastic pipe.

Lead
A dull, silver colored pipe that can be easily scratched with a coin or key. Scratching leaves a shiny color. Magnets WILL NOT stick to lead pipes. Lead pipes are bendable and commonly have a "bulb".

Copper
Brown colored pipe that can be easily scratched with a coin or key. Scratching leaves a copper color. Magnets WILL NOT stick to copper pipes.

Galvanized Iron or Steel
A dull, silver colored pipe that is hard to scratch with a coin or key. Scratching leaves a dull gray color. A magnet WILL stick to a galvanized iron pipe.

Health Effects of Lead

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased an increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have an increased risk of heart risk disease, high blood pressure and kidney or nervous system problems.

Steps to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

Below are recommended actions to take, separately or in combination, if you are concerned about lead in your drinking water. The list also includes where you may find more information and is not intended to be a complete list or imply that all actions equally reduce lead in drinking water.

Use filters properly.
Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, it should be certified to remove lead. Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. More information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems can be found on the EPA’s website.

Use cold water.
Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does not remove lead from water. Learn about construction in your neighborhood. Visit www.cor.net/Projects to find out about any construction or maintenance work that could disturb your service line. Construction may cause more lead to be released from a lead or galvanized service line if present.

Clean your aerator.
Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment debris, and lead particles can collect on your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.

1. Unscrew the end-piece of your faucet where the water comes out. This is the aerator. (Make note of how the pieces come off, to put back together. Parts vary.)
2. Remove the screen and rinse out debris.
3. Assemble and screw it back on.

Image Source - epa.gov/protectyourtap

Testing Children to Determine Lead Levels in their Blood

Although there is no confirmation of having a lead service line, you may wish to speak with a healthcare provider to see if your child’s blood lead level is elevated and/or if there is a need for blood testing. If you are concerned about potential exposure, visit the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) website.